St. Louis County Council

Dennis Hancock was almost ousted from his St. Louis County Council seat after he tried to hire his stepdaughter for violating the Missouri Constitution's anti-nepotism rule. But were his actions so outside the norm?

If voters approve, the St. Louis County Council would be able to hire outside lawyers to represent it in lawsuits or enforce subpoenas. Those attorneys would not report to the county counselor, who is appointed by the county executive.

A judge barred St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock from participating in Tuesday’s meeting for hiring his relative as an assistant. Hancock says the move is politically motivated.

While the results of the elections are unlikely to change the political balance of power on the St. Louis County Council, the outcomes could play a major role in the dynamics of the council and the working relationship between the council and the county executive.

The St. Louis County administration building must be updated to stay in compliance with Clayton city codes. County Executive Sam Page urged the county council Tuesday to act now.

The protest, involving about 100 people, started during public comment on a resolution marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It included a chant that some say calls for the destruction of the state of Israel while others say it’s a rallying cry for a Palestinian homeland.

The speech at the University of Missouri-St. Louis included the unveiling of a new logo for St. Louis County.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page says the budget cuts will result in a reduction or elimination of some county services.

The Maplewood Democrat has represented the council's 5th District since 2019.

County Executive Sam Page said he has issues with the state law that allows for such measures but elected to not veto the property tax freeze on some seniors’ homes.